Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Hollywood actor Simone Ashley shared some heartwarming moments at 2026 during Paris Fashion Week. The two actors, who are global ambassadors for the beauty brand, greeted each other warmly, held hands and posed together backstage. Simone has now spoken about what it means to reunite with the group.
Simone Ashley talks about Aishwarya Rai Bachchan
Simone Ashley was walking for L’Oréal Paris for the third time and spoke about meeting Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and other ambassadors, including Eva Longoria, Kendall Jenner and Cara Delevingne. Speaking to Variety India, she said, “I think it’s the moments we have backstage when we see each other. We don’t get to spend much time together throughout the year, so it’s always really nice when we’re reunited and can catch up with each other. It’s so exciting. This is my third year walking for them, so I know a little bit more of what to expect. I’m just super excited. It’s always one of the most fun days of the year.”Simone is best known for playing Kate Sharma in the series ‘Bridgerton’, a role that brought her international recognition. Earlier, she appeared as Olivia Hanan in ‘Sex Education’. Her film credits include ‘The Little Mermaid’, ‘Picture This’ and ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’, in which she plays Amari, an assistant to Meryl Streep’s Miranda Priestly. The sequel also stars Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci.Reflecting on what such opportunities mean to her as an artiste, Simone said, “It means a lot. It’s so wonderful. I feel very privileged that I get to express my creativity and work with a variety of creatives I look up to. And if there’s a positive message conveyed in all of that, then I’m very proud.”
Aishwarya Rai and Simone Ashley’s video goes viral
Videos of the two actors greeting each other had already gone viral on social media, along with several other behind-the-scenes clips from the event. Aishwarya greeted Simone with kisses before sitting next to her. The two were seen holding hands as they chatted, both dressed in black, and later posed for a picture together. They were again seen holding hands during the final walk on the ramp.
A look at Aishwarya Rai Bachchan’s recent work
Aishwarya was last seen on the big screen in Mani Ratnam’s ‘Ponniyin Selvan: II’ in 2023, where she played dual roles, including Nandini. She has not had a theatrical release since, but she has continued to make prominent international appearances. She attended the Cannes Film Festival in 2025.At Paris Fashion Week 2026, Aishwarya closed L’Oréal Paris’ Le Défilé in a dramatic black couture look by Yara Shoemaker. She also debuted a striking burgundy-red hair colour for the appearance.
